Winter Skin Relief: When to Splurge and When to Save

Like many of you at this time of year, I’m always searching for a solution to my chapped, dry winter skin problem. According to beauty industry research by Euromonitor, consumers spent $426 billion worldwide on beauty products in 2011, and I certainly contributed to that. I haven’t sprung for the premium creams with triple-digit price tags, but the good news is the expensive stuff is not always worth splurging on, especially when the cheaper alternative will work just as well.

Skin Soothers

With cold winter air outside and dry air indoors, “we need to do everything we can to return moisture to the skin, whether that’s using a humidifier at home in the bedroom or minimizing hot showers and baths to five minutes or less,” says Dr. Tess Mauricio, a San Diego-based dermatologist and author of California Total Beauty. “Hot water strips the skin of oils,” she explains. After bathing, use moisturizing cream to lock in the moisture. Mauricio also recommends staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, eating colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and limiting the intake of diuretic caffeine.

Splurge

Mauricio likes the Jan Marini Skin Care Management System. Its five products that cleanse, rejuvenate, resurface, hydrate, and protect the skin are available in formulas for dry, combination, and oily skin for $295. Some people swear by the luxurious Crème de la Mer (2 oz., $275), but I personally like the more affordable Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief by Clinique (2.5 oz., $49), which is fragrance-free. “At this time of year you want to stay away from products that are scented because we’re more prone to irritation,” notes Mauricio.

Save

“If you want a good budget product, I highly recommend Cetaphil cream (16 oz., $13.50 at drugstores),” says Mauricio. “Aquaphor is great (1.75 oz., $6) for dry skin and lips. I always have a pocket size in my purse.” She suggests applying Neutrogena body oil (8.5 oz., $10.50) before bathing “to seal it into the skin, then afterward apply another layer.“ However, olive oil and coconut oil will also work, she says. Another favorite home remedy: Apply petroleum jelly (13 oz., $4.50) to dry, cracked hands and feet, wrap them in plastic wrap overnight, and you’ll notice the difference by morning.

Sloughing and Treatments

Weekly exfoliation to get rid of dead skin cells “can go a long way to making skin soft and supple in the wintertime,” says Mauricio, and scrubs with smaller, finer granules “tend to be less irritating.” Battery-powered brushes “are the best way to get makeup off and clean the skin,” she believes. Treatments with a green tint can calm down skin reddened by sunburn, windburn, or rosacea. For added protection, you should apply SPF 30 or higher daily, rain or shine, reminds New York City dermatologist Dr. Patricia Wexler. “UVA is present 365 days a year.”

We need to do everything we can to return moisture to the skin.

Splurge

To combat redness, I found Clinique’s Redness Solutions Regimen, a three-piece set of cleanser, cream, and daily protective base ($49.50), and I love Murad’s Energizing Pomegranate Lip Protector SPF 15 (0.5 oz, $17). Dr. Mauricio likes Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub (12 oz., $37). She swears by the Clarisonic Pro three-speed brush, ($195-$225) for home use, and for an in-office treatment, recommends Venus Freeze. She describes it as a “painless procedure that works through radio frequency. It depends on the area being treated, but it’s around $200 and up per treatment. It’s perfect for people who want tightening and firming, and can really turn back the clock on aging.”

Hair S.O.S.

“Winter is a time to change your hair care habits,” says Dr. Francesca Fusco, who is part of Wexler’s dermatology team in New York. “If you insist on washing your hair every day, try showering in the evening to allow your hair to dry indoors. This will eliminate the need for scalding blow-drys, which can worsen dry scalps.”

Splurge

Dr. Mauricio likes the Enjoy brand, sulfate-free, Luxury Shampoo (33.8 oz., $54) and recommends a cool setting for blow drying, a leave-in treatment, or a conditioner, and oil therapy using a small amount of Enjoy Hair and Skin Treatment Oil (3.4 oz., $33). “Massage it in weekly and you’ll have healthier, shinier hair,” she says.

Whether splurging or saving, hopefully these skin savers will help you solve your chapped, dry winter skin problem. And if you purchase these products with a Citi® AAdvantage® Credit Card, you can earn valuable AAdvantage® miles redeemable by American Airlines and its global travel partners to get out of town and beat the cold in a warmer climate!